Media release from New Zealand Resident Doctors Association

Resident doctors have declined a 2 per cent pay offer by DHBs in return for a request for improved terms and conditions of employment.   The latest offer by DHBs to resident doctors included a 2 per cent pay rise while negotiations continue.

New Zealand Resident Doctors Association (NZRDA) president Dr Curtis Walker says resident doctors have requested that the money to go towards any proven additional costs associated with improving existing rosters rather than a pay rise.

"The DHBs do not seem to have heard what their doctors have been saying," Dr Walker says. "The retention of resident doctors in DHB employment is about improving terms and conditions of employment, not just a pay rise."

During consultation with members over the DHB offer, Dr Walker said the feedback from some doctors went as far as suggesting that DHBS were simply trying to "buy us off". But the consensus is that they will not be deterred. "In an unprecedented move, the resident doctors are requesting that the money be used to facilitate the introduction of improved rostering practice, rather than taking the pay rise for themselves."

Such a move would see the money go not to the doctors, but to hospitals where improved rosters are implemented if there are proven additional costs associated with a change for the better.

This would give DHBs no argument against making the working lives of the doctors, and the care they can give to their patients better, while at the same time improving the ability to retain doctors in DHB employment.

"Hopefully it will give the DHBs an incentive to get on and do as the doctors are saying is necessary."

Already improved rostering practices in Northland are having a positive effect on resident doctor conditions of employment and in turn, the care received by patients.  "Introduced under the previous chief executive, rostering doctors no more than ten days in a row with four days off to recover has seen retention at Northland DHB improve markedly along with reduced sick leave and happier doctors.  It is not rocket science to see what makes doctors happy - that is not suffering the effects of fatigue imposed by long stretches at work. Treating doctors well means treating patients well."

The new proposal by NZRDA is with the DHBs for consideration.